Gday, sunshine

Three years after rejecting the rain of Limerick for the heat of Brisbane, Chris Latham arrives at Lansdowne Road as the worlds best full-back

Regardless of what happens this afternoon, next Sunday evening Chris Latham is due at the Kelvingrove art gallery and museum in Glasgow as one of five nominees for IRB Player of the Year. Common sense dictates that the accolade will go to either Richie McCaw or Dan Carter (Paul O’Connell and Fourie du Preez are also in with a shout). That said, Latham’s presence is justified if only for that stupendous solo try in Cardiff two weekends ago.

It was the 34th try of a Test career that has blossomed late. Having played a bit part at two World Cups, the 31-year-old has won roughly half of his 70 caps in the past three years. A few weeks ago, he became the first back to win the coveted John Eales medal — the Wallaby of the year, voted for by the Wallabies themselves. By common consent, he is the best full-back